The 2025–26 Premiership Women’s Rugby season kicked off in style at The Stoop last night, as Harlequins hosted Loughborough Lightning. On a fresh, clear evening the ground was alive with anticipation. Four thousand fans came through the gates, the atmosphere crackled with excitement as the players ran out for the first match of the new campaign.
For me, it was a particularly special night. Thirteen U12 and U14 girls from Sutton & Epsom RFC, many of whom I’ve had the privilege of coaching, took to the pitch as the flag-waving guard of honour. Watching them stand tall under the floodlights, proudly representing their club was a moment that will stay with me for a long time. You could see it on their faces – the wonder, the joy and perhaps a spark of what’s possible.
It felt like a night that marked more than just the start of a season. Around 30% of the crowd were first-time visitors to a PWR game, surely a sign of how fast the women’s game is growing. Following hot on the heels of the Women’s Rugby World Cup there’s a sense that women’s rugby is stepping into a new era of visibility and momentum.
This season, every PWR fixture will be broadcast across three platforms, a milestone that reflects both the increasing demand and the commitment to make the game accessible to all. More eyes on the game means more hearts captured, and that can only be a good thing for players and supporters alike.
From a grassroots perspective, the energy feels different this year. More girls are joining, more families are turning up to watch and the belief that the women’s game deserves equal attention is stronger than ever.
It’s no time to be complacent. Progress needs nurturing, but right now it feels like everyone is leaning in. The sport is on an upward curve and the passion behind it is infectious.
As I watched those young girls waving their flags last night, I couldn’t help but think: this is what inspiration looks like.
Patrick Hickman 